Pest of the Month January 2009 – Plumeria Rust

  • Distribution: Main Hawaiian Islands
  • Host: Plumeria spp.
  • Symptoms:  Powdery, yellow-orange lesions on leaves with powdery spore masses on the underside of leaves
  • Management:  Plant resistant species or hybrids, leaf litter control/destruction, plant in drier areas, apply approved fungicides when necessary, biological control with fungal hyperparasites and an insect (midge) predator, control weeds to improve airflow, avoid overcrowding of plumeria and monocropping.

Source: Plumeria Rust, Dr. Scot Nelson, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Cooperative Extension Service, Plant Disease PD-61, January 2009.

Plumeria Rust. Photo by Dr. Scot Nelson, UH CTAHR